Janet leaves Virgin, signs with Island

After much speculation, it’s been officially confirmed that Janet has signed with Island Def Jam Records. After more than a decade with Virgin Records, Janet’s boyfriend Jermaine Dupri confirmed the news in an interview with Billboard Magazine.

“She’s on Island, but it’s more or less [Def Jam CEO Antonio “L.A.” Reid’s] project. I let him deal with that on a day-to-day basis. He’s going to A&R that project, too. Janet’s record is one that he’s wanted to do for a long time. He’s very passionate about it.”

When asked about how the album is set to pan out, he replies:

“I don’t really know what he’s got in mind at this point. His past record isn’t shabby so I’m going to let him do what he’s going to do. I’m going to do [the new] Mariah [Carey album], and we’re going to make it seem like we’re in competition to see who’s going to have the biggest album of the year.”

Whilst no official release date for the album has been set, Billboard reports that rumours have said it may be ready before the end of the year.